25 April 2016

Time running out to bid for £200,000 to improve health and wellbeing

Time is running out to apply for a share £200,000 to improve health and wellbeing in Central Peterhead and North Fraserburgh.

Anyone with an idea or existing project which will help people in those areas are being encouraged to submit their applications before the April 29th deadline.

The initiative is part of an innovative new way of deciding who should receive funding by putting the decision in the hands of local people.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Grampian Board member Raymond Bisset said: “We are really excited to be empowering the local community in this way and hope that it can make a real difference to health and wellbeing in the area.

“Participatory budgeting, as the process is called, has been hugely successful in other parts of the UK.

“If it’s successful it could be rolled out to other areas of Aberdeenshire so this is a great chance for Peterhead and Fraserburgh to set the standard for others to aspire to.”

Each town will receive £100,000 with any one project being able to bid for up to £10,000.

Local residents will then be able to cast their vote on special decision days being held on 18th June in Fraserburgh and 25th June in Peterhead.

Drop in sessions are being arranged so those who are considering submitting an application form can ask questions and get advice.

The funding is being made available through the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership. The new partnership of Aberdeenshire Council and NHS Grampian which will deliver health and social care services across the shire.

Vice Chair of Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Cllr Anne Allan said: “We have been working extensively with groups and individuals in the community to encourage as many people as possible to get involved. The funding can be used for anything that improves health and wellbeing and there is lots of support and advice available for those who are applying.

“We know there are many people who want to participate in shaping the future of their local area but don’t get involved in traditional consultations. This scheme is all about removing barriers and getting them directly involved in local decision-making.”

The participatory budgeting pilot is being run by a local steering group in each town which is made up of local residents, community groups, the voluntary sector, Aberdeenshire Council and NHS Grampian.

More information and application forms are available at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/yourvoiceyourchoice , or by emailing yourvoiceyourchoice@aberdeenshire.gov.uk